Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Free Entrance Days

When it comes to finding new experiences, the key word is often, “free!” So why not take advantage of activities that usually come with a price tag?

Every May there’s an event called Public Gardens Day.  That means you get free entry to botanical gardens, arboretums and even some zoos that normally charge an entrance fee.

You’ve heard me talk about fee-free days in our national parks. Well, there are also similar programs through the Bureau of Land Management. Fees on public lands are waived for Get Outdoors Day on June 9 and National Public Lands Day on September 29.

If going to museums, aquariums or zoos is something you do whenever you travel, it’s probably worth joining a membership program.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, for example, has a reciprocity program where you get free or discounted entrance to member locations…and, of course, you can always use the pass in your own backyard!

And don’t forget to check a calendar. Museums and sciences centers often have free entry one day a month, so you just have to time your visit to get the best value.

For more information, visit the Cultural Travel and National Parks archives.

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